The American Registry of Physician’s Associates (ARPA) was incorporated in 1970 to encourage the training and to promote the activities of Physician’s Associates. Those registered by the ARPA were entitled to refer to themselves as an RPA (Registered Physician’s Associate) and were given an ARPA pin to wear on their clinical jackets. The ARPA was assimilated into the Association of Physician Assistant Programs (APAP) in 1972, and the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) assumed its registration functions in 1975. The ARPA no longer exists as an organization. To watch a video about the founding of the ARPA, click here.